Niko Kounenakis

With over 20 years of experience as a high-level soccer player, team captain, and coach, Niko has been part of  winning organizations at the highest levels of soccer. Drawing on extensive knowledge, global experience, and collaborations with elite experts, he and ECES specialize in athlete development, high-performance protocols, and team-building strategies both on and off the field.

As co-founder and director of ECES Ltd. and ECE-Soccer, Niko has contributed to  transformative programs that integrate advanced training methods, leadership development, and cutting-edge technology to empower individuals and organizations. His initiatives provide European and U.S. athletes and non-athletes with opportunities to achieve skill mastery, high performance, and cross-cultural understanding. This is accomplished through an innovative athlete assessment and training program based in Illinois, as well as transformative retreats held on the islands of Crete and Cyprus.

Niko has served as a guest lecturer at Adelphi University in New York, and is a licensed professional coach, certified sports and mental coach, and has served youth, collegiate, and professional athletes and teams in various aspects of development. Niko uses his global expertise to drive growth and transformation. His mission is to deliver innovative, results-driven pathways to success through leadership, retreats, collaboration, and excellence.

Playing Career Highlights

• Premier League veteran with OFI FC (Greece), Anderlecht (Belgium), and Aris Limassol  (Cyprus)
• Competed in UEFA Cup, Champions League, and Intertoto Cup
• Up to U-22 National Teams of Greece player and former OFI FC captain
• Olympic Team
• MLS with Sporting Kansas City

Coaching Career Highlights

• SK Slovan Bratislava: Europa League Qualification spot, Slovakian Premier League & Cup Runner-up
• Montreal Impact (MLS): Cup Winners, earned Concacaf Champions League qualification
• OFI FC: Premier League Greece